As with most things in this internet age, a critical eye toward everything is a good idea. I don't recall the "presenter" in this video mentioning a critical element and I couldn't stomach watching him again to see if I missed it (actually didn't watch it all the way as it was ... if only he'd dial it down a notch, or three).

That key element is that these ratings are based on a survey of motorcycles purchased new between 2008 and 2014. Models change (some significantly) from year to year. So this may be useful if one's looking at 2008 to 2014 models, but perhaps not so useful if looking at later models.

An interesting observation - readers' rating do not track in lock step with reliability results ... apparently poor reliability does not overpower their overall view.

It's OK though it seemingly understates licensing requirements and makes no mention of 150cc to 400cc scooters. Their statement regards the former is "No license is required for scooters with engines less than 50 cc in most states". What I've found on the web is that most states require at least a driver's license for operating any powered vehicle on the public roadways, excepting certain farm & military vehicles (some do issue moped licenses)

Full disclosure - I go hot & cold on CR, been a subscriber off and on for many years and am about to discontinue again. Seems like every time I go looking for some product on their site, it's either not there or it's seriously dated - not really worth it.

I talked to a Can Am mechanic at work and asked him about the low ratings.He said the Rotax engines were bulletproof, but the rest of the bikes had some quality problems.Electrics, switchgear, that type of thing.He did say they're getting better.

My opinion changes when the bike I am riding breaks down. Resets when the bike is back on the road. Every brand has some kind of bug.

Little problems are one thing. When the bike leaves you stranded, that's a whole different thing.I had a Harley that stranded me 3 times in 6 months.That left a lasting negative impression on me.Sold it and never bought another one.

Breakdowns suck. Had an unrepairable flat(3/4" cut) and failure of my voltage regulator stranded me for hours. The voltage regulator just died about 10 miles from home and both AMA and Progressive could not find a motorcycle tow truck on December 26 two years ago. Luckily another biker came to my rescue with a trailer, just happened he was out for a ride and I broke down in front of his property. Made a new friend. Unfortunately took over a month for the part to arrive and the removal of all the rear body panels and seat. If I ever design a bike this part will require one panel or less to replace. Love the Reflex but it is a Japanese puzzle box to work on the rear of the bike.

If I ever design a bike this part will require one panel or less to replace. Love the Reflex but it is a Japanese puzzle box to work on the rear of the bike.

At some point in the world of vehicle design it became a mortal sin to leave a screw head exposed. I'm all for stylish design but the engineer in me says function should trump form when in it comes to adjustment or part access, especially in vehicles (that can leave you stranded).